So I guess those rotary blades ARE sharp afterall!!
 

Well.. after over a decade of quilting and thinking that I was an extremely careful cutter, the inevitable finally happened..

Had a family birthday event last night and after being at the babysitter's house til almost midnight, my 6 year old was happily sleeping late this morning so I decided to take advantage of a few extra quiet hours to get ahead on some of my Christmas quilting.

Got out my fabric and a fresh rotary cutting wheel and [i'll save you all the gory details] BLAMMO!!!... wheel slid up the side of my ruler and right into my left index finger. OUCH!! Typing this tonight is the first time I've had it held lower than my heart all day.. it is extremely painful and I never ever want to do that again!!!

So my husband, to make lemonade out of lemons, sees this as a great opportunity to buy me a quilting gadget that I don't already have for Christmas this year.. a Klutz glove. I have extremely short fingers so before he buys one and wraps it up for me he would like to know that they'll be useful for me and not simply get in the way. Yes, I know sounds odd to already know what will be under the tree.. but.. times are extremely tight for us this year so we're both making our gifts to each other necessity items like socks and a bathrobe.. and since I already have pajamas, today's incident seems to scream necessity to me so I've asked him for a cut resistant glove.

Do you all use these? Anyone with really small hands use them and find them useful? I was also thinking of some of those index finger and thumb guards that only cover those two fingers, but they don't look like they'd say on very well..

Thoughts?
Thanks!
Kim

I don't use those gloves and I am very careful when I use my rotary cutters. Fons and Porter use those gloves on their quilting series, though. Those shows are on PBS and you would need to check your TV listings for the days and times of their shows. Then you can see how they wear and use the gloves.

I've never used a glove but probably should. It doesn't seem all that difficult to cut yourself. I've nicked rulers badly so I could've gone up and over the finger.

Let's just hope that tomorrow your throb level is down to tolerable.

If it was me I'd try it first. If it's good...I'd start using it right away.
Why wait for Christmas? Consider it an early Christmas gift.

Tell your husband to visit a poundstretcher or similar. The handles for disabled access, or visit a car shop. Forgot name.
Both of these have big rubber stoppers on the handle one from car shop I was told pulls out dents. Cheaper than quilt shops.

Don't have the gloves, but I did the same thing with the rotary cutter two days ago. Iv' also run over my finger with the sewing machine needle more than once.

Ouch! Just reading this thread makes me cringe. I've not hurt myself like this, but I am something of a clutz, so it could happen sooner or later!

I wear the Klutz glove every time I use the rotary cutter. After reading too many posts about people cutting themselves I decided to try the glove. Love it.

When first quilting the lady at the LQS told me that the rotary cutter blad was "Go to the hospital sharp" I try to make sure that the guard is on when I set it down. Also, I bend back my index finger a bit and check placement before i start cutting. I have nicked the ruler a few times. And oh yes, I have sewn thru my finger at least twice with the sewing machine needle. And just recently I was using the walking foot and got my thumb too close and slice off part of tip of my thumb. Now that hurt. Don't think I have ever moved so fast. Scared my cat and dog too.

I don't use the glove, but I do have short fingers like you do, so I sure understand what you are asking. Do the gloves come in different sizes? I would think that there would be some that fit if that is the case. I will be reading this thread to see if any short fingered person answers, saying that she has a glove that fits.

Take care of your finger!

Dina

My ring size is 5 and the extra small size fits great.

Don't forget a tetanus shot. Adults are supposed to have one every 10 years.

Sorry about your boo boo :(

I feel for you. Yesterday I was trying to move a bag with Accuquilt dies in it, and I don't know how in the world I did it, but something cut right into my hand. Fortunately, the nurse who lives next door was able to tape it up, but I'm going to the doctor's today for possible stitches and a tetanus shot.

First time I've ever been hurt quilting, and I hope it's the last!

Ooooh that slide lock looks awesome!.. I'll check that out for sure....

Oh.. hmm thanks for the reminder 'quiltngolfer'.. I can't remember when the last time was that I had a tetanus shot.. I might just call my primary care dr to ask just in case... :|

The finger feels a bit better today.. I changed the bandage when I got out of the shower this morning and scared myself at how bad of a cut this is.. I'm getting a glove and a ruler guard for sure.. luckily no stitches needed, but this could have been much worse... not to mention that I get very weak in the knees and had my husband not been within ear shot and could slide a chair under me and open a window for fresh air I probably would have passed out..

I don't see the Klutz gloves from Fons and Porter in XSmall but the Victorinox seem to come in that size so I'll start with those..

Thanks ladies!

When I ask my Dr if I need a tetanus shot, he always says if you ask then you probably do. LOL

So sorry about your accident. I think for me, too, it's just a matter of time. I will use all of your experiences as lessons to learn from. Please take care of your finger.

I cut about 1/4 inch of the end of my thumb off and had to go to the emergency room. It was painful and the next day I found a place to order a Klutz glove. I now wear it any time I am using my rotary cutter. I can't afford another trip to the ER.

Just the other day, I took off a very thin sliver of the top of my pointer finger with the blade. Thank goodness it wasn't worse. Maybe I. Should look into the glove? Nah, I like to live dangerously!
Nancy

I bought some Kevlar gloves at Menards for about $5 or 6 last year. They work the same and you get a whole pair for much less money and they come in various sizes. For those of you who don't have a Menards, you can probably find them at Home Depot or other similar store.

Knock on wood....so far I have never cut myself or run through my finger with a sewing machine needle. HOWEVER, I sure have stuck myself lots of times with pins in my fabrics. I have also ruined a ruler or two with big nicks in them so maybe I had better not count on my good fortune so far and get a pair of Klutz gloves!!!!

I swear by the those gloves hey it saves a lot of pain

Looked at this tool.... Bought it! I worry about rotary cutter slipping and try to be VERY careful. But it only takes on slip. Thanks for the link.

I am so sorry for you. ouch!:( I have a glove and forgot about it until you reminded me. If I am left handed and hold the cutter with left hand and ruler with the right, should I put the glove on right hand? Thank you

I did this same thing last year and it took months to heal and I still feel where the side tip is missing...hope your heals faster and better than mine. I don't use a glove but have considered it. Good luck!

Ouch!! I had the same thing happen with the cutter running over the ruler but did not cut my finger - was lucky. Thx for mentioning the glove and feel better.

I did this a couple of years ago - after using a rotary cutter for almost 25 years. Took a trip to the ER and 8 stitches. I don't have a glove because all of them I have looked at are just too large for me to use safely.

Side note, I always sew barefoot but I now cut with shoes on after dropping my rotary cutter on my foot. The blade was closed because I am super careful about that but I could see the potential. I know many won't agree but injuries to my hands don't bother me much because I have so many. My feet are a different story.

A friend works in the ER at one our local hospitals and said that rotary cutters are the leading cause of stitches for women in Utah. :( Hope you are all better soon, nothing worse than trying to quilt one handed, sounds like you have a very thoughtful husband. Hugs

Thank you ladies.. all your comments are very thoughtful and kind.. I love this board!

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that! I managed to do the same thing to my left index finger with a box cutter so I know about the pain and the whole "holding your hand over your head for hours on end". I thought the bleeding would never stop and I didn't have anyone at home with me so I couldn't even drive myself to the hospital. Be prepared. You're going to be hurting for a good long while.

I use my glove every time now, my friend cut herself very badly and it took over 2 months to heal and was very painful. That was enough to convenience me to get a glove and use it.

The most important thing I learned when taking my 1st lesson was to always walk your left hand to the top of your ruler. 3x...Your whole body plays a part in safe cutting.Another tip I just learned for myself,keep your foot off pedal when your fingers are near the needle....Sewed through my finger.Had to remove broken needle and pass thread to remove.Throbbing came later after almost passing out..Be careful ladies....

Sorry you hurt yourself, hopefully not too bad. Here's my story and WARNING to those considering purchasing a new rotary cutter. I had the kind that closes or opens by itself just from the pressure of cutting on the mat. I'm sure you know the one. Well I wasn't even cutting but cleaning a shelf that had the cutter on it when it fell off the shelf. It hit my shin and you guessed it opened and gave me a 4 inch gash in it. It didn't cut too deeply but painful none the less. I would never, ever purchase a self opening cutter again. Imagine using it on your table with a little one or cat or dog sitting under the table.

I agree things are tight,I would have something I need ,even if I know what it is.Than something sitting around collecting dust.I am truly sorry you hurt your self.I sure hope it heals fast.thanks for sharing.

Seven stitches to the inch on left index finger....'nuff said!

I have one of these from Harbour Freight. They suction to your ruler so your hand is above but gives you good control of your ruler. They are on sale for $2.99 right now. http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...?q=suction+cup. Sorry for your accident. I hope you heal quickly.

So true!
I dropped a rotary cutter and it cut the top of my foot open. That hurt for a long time. I always wear shoes that cover my feet in my sewing room. It's a rule all the family knows to not go in my sewing room or DH's shop barefoot. My grands will run put on shoes to go sew with me. LOL